Sterilizer



March 10, 1942. D. A. MEEKER ET AL 2,275,788

STERILIZER Filed Feb. 1, 1959 6 ShecS-Sheet l WWW ATTORNEYS March 10,1942. MEEKER E AL 2,275,788

- STERILIZER v Filed Feb. 1, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 M974 ATTORN EYS March10, 1942.

D. A. MEEKER ET AL STERILIZER I l, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb.

fir INVENTOR W9 ATTORN EYS March 10, 1942. E ET L I I 2,275,788

STERILIZER Filed Feb. 1, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IIIIIIIIIVA";IIIIIA:

Y g g M 76 EQ 3- ATTORN EYs Max ch 10, 1942. D. A. MEEKER ET AL2,275,738

STERILIZER Filed Feb. 1, i959 e Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTO 5 SQQJJ-Q Q JKMQLwjqm ATTORN EYS March 10, 1942- D. A. MEEKER ET AL STERILIZER Filed Feb.1, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 l VENTO "in ATTORNEYS IIIIIIIIIIIIIII III'VI/IIII/IIIII co m Patented Mar. 10, 1942 E STATES r orrics STERILIZERDavid A. Meeker and De Loss D. Wallace, Troy, Ohio, assignors to TheHobart Manufacturing Company, Tr y,

Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Claims.

This invention relates to sterilizing devices and more particularly to acabinet for receiving dishes, glassware, and the like, and subjectingthe same to a sterilizing radiation.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a sterilizingdevice adapted to receive glassware, dishes, and the like, and tosubject such articles to a sterilizing radiation to provide for thedelivery of the same in sterile and sanitary condition available foruse.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device of thischaracter which is compact in size, attractive in appearance, and whichis adapted to be placed upon a counter, back bar, or the lke and tooccupy a minimum of counter space.

It is a further object to provide such a device adapted to be positionedupon a counter, to receive articles, to subject the articles to asterilizing radiation, and to return the sterile articles to a dischargeposition adjacent the receiving position.

It is also a further object to provide in a device of this character anovel and highly satisfactory conveyor requiring a minimum of space andwhich offers minimum obstruction to the sterilizing radiation,

It is a still further object to provide in a sterilizer of thisconstruction a conveyor adapted to be automatically controlled inresponse to the need for sterile articles, the conveyor supplyingfreshly sterilized articles as they are removed for use.

It is a further object to provide a sterilizer of this character adaptedto be readily maintained in a clean and sanitary condition throughout,and in which accidental injury to the eyes of the user from the sourceof sterilizing rays is effectively prevented during use as well asduring the cleaning operation.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the followingdescription, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the operators side ofa sterilizer device constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the device with one of theside wall panels removed;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the device above theconveyor with certain parts being broken away to show the conveyorstructure;

Fig. 4 is a partial vertical sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a View in plan of the conveyor showing the left hand portionthereof with certain parts broken away;

Fig. 6 is a partial vertical sectional view on the line 66 of Fig. 5showing the left hand end of the device;

Fig. '7 is a vertical sectional view on the line 7-! of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a partial vertical sectional View across the device on theline 88 of Fig. 3 with certain parts removed to show the construction ofthe drive for the conveyor;

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view showing the means for retaining thecover panels in assembled position;

Fig. 10 is a partial vertical sectional view showing the guard meanspreventing insertion of articles on the conveyor in the position ofdischarge therefrom;

Fig. 11 is a partial view in plan showing the detail structure of theconveyor mechanism;

Figs. 12 and 13 are vertical sectional views at right angles through theconveyor chain showing details of the construction thereof;

Fig. 14 is an elevational View with parts broken away to show themechanism for mounting the tubes which produce the sterilizing orultra-violet light;

Fig. 15 is a detail View of the same structure;

Fig. 16 is a view in elevation with parts broken away showing thestructure of the interlocking means for controlling the operation of thesterilizing lamps;

.Fig 17 is a View similar to Fig. 16 with the parts in a differentposition of adjustment;

Fig. 18 is a detail view showing a portion of the interlocking structureon the line l8l8 of Fig. 1'7;

Fig. 19 is a view in perspective showing the means for controlling theoperation of the conveyor mechanism in response to the demand for theuse of sterilized articles; and

Fig. 20 is a schematic view showing the circuit connections.

Referring to the drawings which disclose a preferred embodiment of theinvention, there is shown at W a lower main frame member in the form ofan angle which extends around the entire lower periphery of the device,and to which are fastened longitudinal cross pieces ll forming therewithsupporting structure. A plurality of friction members [2 made of rubberor the like material are fastened to the lower side of the frame toprovide for supporting the device in suitable nonslipping manner.

device and is likewise formed with right angularly projecting portions Hwhich extend around toward the side walls of the device. There is alsopreferably provided in each end of the device a window I? adapted totransmit enough of the rays to present a pleasing and attractiveappearance. Such window if made .of ordinary glass has the property offiltering out bactericidal or v injurious rays, transmitting the visiblenon-injurious rays.

The end casing members It are provided with brackets 28 at their upperportions upon which there is positioned a reinforcing angle 2|a whichsupports upwardly opening channel member 2|, parts 2| and 2m extendingfrom one end of the device to the other. This channel serves to providea strong and rigid structure, and likewise serves as a support forremovably receiving the side cover panels 22. These side panels extendto the center of the device, and each panel is provided with adownwardly projecting flange 23 adapted to be received within the openchannel 2|. The panel continues across the top, and downwardly over theentire side wall of the device, also being formed with an inwardlyprojecting flanged part 24 at its lower end for fitting under the sideframe member ii and to provide proper rigidity in the side panels. I

In order to provide for removably retaining the side cover panels 22 inplace, means are provided to resiliently receive the panels when inoperative position, but providing for withdrawal thereof from operativeposition when access to the interior of the cabinet is desired forcleaning, repair, or the like. This means comprises brackets 25 fastenedto the inner wall of each panel adjacent the lower corners thereof, suchbrackets having a downwardly inclined end portion 26. To the side frameI8 is bolted a curved resilient member 21 its end extending upwardly andturned down at the terminal edge 28 thereof. In placing the side coverpanels in operative position, the upper end flange 23 is engaged in thechannel 2!, and the side wall then lowered into operative position.Because of the fact that this operation takes place substantially 'aboutthe channel 2! as a center, the brackets 25 and more particularly theends 28 thereof swing in substantially the are indicated by the dottedline in Fig. 9. Thus it will be seen that when the end 28 of the bracketfirst engages the edge 28 of the locking finger, it will force thelocking finger upwardly, and with further pivotal movement of the sidecover panel into its final position, the retaining member 21 tends toengage the bracket to yieldably hold the cover panel in such assembledposition. The panel is thus firmly held in position but may be readilyremoved when desired by the operator taking hold of the lower flange 24and withdrawing the panel from the action of the retaining means 21. i

The side panel 22 which covers the operators side of the device isformed with an opening 29 to provide access to the interior of thedevice in the normal use thereof. The opening as shown in Fig. 1 ispreferably divided into a larger part 29 adapted to provide access tothe discharge station and into a smaller part 29a providin access to thereceiving station by a column which is removable so that a singleopening may be formed if desired. The receiving position and thedischarging position are thus adjacent each other so that the devicerequires only a shallow depth of supporting space and is arranged forconvenient accessibility for the operator.

The receiving and discharging stations being adjacent it is preferred toprovide a means to assure that the operator will not inadvertently placearticles to be sterilized upon the conveyor within the discharge stationbut will be required to place them in the receiving station so that theywill traverse the machine and be sterilized before being returned to thedischarge station. This means comprises a framework 30 in the form of agrille as shown in Figs. 1 and 10. Brackets 3| are fastened to the innerside of cover panel 22 above the opening 29 and a cross rod 32 issupported therein, A plurality of depending wire guards 33 are loopedaround rod 32 and extend downwardly terminating in spaced relation withrespect to the lower edge of opening 29. The wire guards are likewiseprovided with upwardly projecting extensions 34 which are curved toengage the wall of cover panel 22 at substantially right angles when theguard stands in normal vertical position. The lower ends of the wires 33may be left free or joined by cross rod 35 as shown to cause two or moreof the wires to move together as a group. It will be clear from theforegoing that the operator may reach into the device beneath theframework 30 to grasp an article for removal. During withdrawal thereofthe framework swings outward freely as shown in Fig. 10 and effectivelythe entire discharge opening is available for use. But if it isattempted to insert an article into the discharge station, the frameworkis prevented from swinging inwardly, and assurance is thus provided thatthe operator will not inadvertently place articles into the deviceexcept through opening 29a which has no framework thereover.

There may be additionally provided a means to prevent removal ofarticles from the receiving position and through the receiving apertureso that it will not be possible to remove articles after they have beenplaced in the device until they have passed through the sterilizingchamber. Such means comprises an auxiliary framework or grille 36associated with the opening 29a and hinged, with a resilient meanstending to return it to the position shown, about a vertical axis onremovable column 31 carried on cover panel 22. The grille is arranged toswing freely inwardly but has a projecting part 38 which engages thechannel above opening 29a to prevent outward swinging of the grille.Hence an article can be inserted through opening 29a but having beenplaced on the carrier cannot be withdrawn from that aperture.

Inwardly of the side and end wall casing panels there is provided aframe structure for the conveying device. Frame members 48 extendingupwardly from angles I 8 provide support for a channel member 41 openinginwardly from each longitudinal side of the device. An angle plate 42 iscarried by the channel on the upper side thereof, and a second angleplate 43 is fastened in position in spaced relation above plate 42,leaving a horizontal inwardly opening slot extending along both sidewalls.

Centrally of the lower frame, and mounted upon cross braces l I, thereare positioned a pair of supports or posts 46 and 46a which extendupwardly into substantially the same horizontal plane as channel membersM. Mounted upon the upper ends of the posts 36 and 46a is an assembly ofrelatively narrow elongated plates. This assembly comprises lower plate47, and intermediate plate 48 of less width than plate 4?. and an upperplate 49 of substantially the same width as plate 41. These plates whichextend throughout the central portion of the device provide on each sideof the central area thereof a horizontally open slot 5!] which is soarranged that it lies in the same horizontal plane with the opposedslots 45 above described.

In order that the device may have suitable dimensions for positioningupon a counter, or back bar, where the available depth is substantiallylimited, the entire device is arranged in elongated rectangular form,and provision made as above described for positioning the articles to besterilized and for removing the articles after the sterilization hasbeen effected, from the same side of the device. The receiving anddischarging area 5! is accessible through open ing 29 and 25a, and toavoid objectionable escape of the sterilizing rays, the interior of thedevice is shielded to form a separate area of compartment 52 in whichthe sterilizing action takes place, the articles while being passedthrough such sterilizing compartment being subjected to the action ofsuitable ultra-violet or similar rays adapted to have a germicidalaction with respect to any bacteria or the like present upon thearticles. A central partition or shield indicated generally at 53extends between the two compartments 5| and 52, and serves to preventobjectionable escape of the sterilizing rays from the sterilizingcompartment. This partition in the form of a metal plate is relativelynarrow, so as to not require any more space than necessary for theoperation of the conveyor, and is suitably fastened over the posts 46above the triple plateassembly ll, 48 and #39, and held in place on theposts along with the plate assembly by bolts 54. Plate 53 is formed witha narrow recess 55 which extends over a portion of its length, and thisaperture is filled by a light transmitting plate 56 through which thesterilizing compartment is clearly visible to the operator to ascertainthat the sterilizing lamps are functioning properly and to provide fortransmission of such light as to present an attractive appearance. Asabove described the use of ordinary window glass effectively avoidstransmission of any objectionable degree of ultra-violet radiation.

Within the sterilizing compartment 52 thereare provided a plurality oflight sources 66 such as elongated tubes adapted to cause the generationof ultra-violet or similar germicidal light rays. Preferably two suchtubes are positioned adjacent the upper portion of the compartment, anda single such unit positioned in the lower portion of the compartmentbeneath an article supported on the conveyor. The units may be suitablyheld in place by means of brackets El fastened to other brackets 62which in turn are carried by end plates l5. Studs 63 are fastened tobracket 62 and have shouldered heads extending upwardly therefromadapted to receive keyhole slots (it formed in brackets 6|. Sockets 65are carried upon brackets 6| opening toward each other to receive thetube 50., resilient means 65 being positioned in each "socket toyieldably retain the tubes in place and the studs 63 in locked positionin the small diameter part of slots 66. The sockets may be moved towardeach other against the action of the resilient means to move the bracketEl so that the large diameter part of the slot 64 surrounds the stud inwhich position the bracket may be upwardly released and the tube thenremoved from the socket. shouldered locking screws 67 are threadedlyreceived in brackets SI and passing through slots in brackets 62, engagethe latter to detachably secure the parts in assembled relation.

Reflector means are provided within the sterilizing compartment forreflecting the sterilizing rays toward and upon articles passing throughsuch compartment. The reflector means preferably comprises an uppercurved reflector plate ll] fastened by means of brackets H to the rearcover panel 22 and suitably arched over each of the upper units and twolower oppositely placed generally parabolically shaped reflectors 12, 73supported upon a bracket 14 from the cross brace II. The outer one ofsaid reflectors 73 is removably held in position by thumb screws l5providing for removal for cleaning purposes. Additional highly polishedand light reflecting means are provided along the side walls of thecompartment, comprising a reflecting plate 16 carried by the rear coverpanel 22. Such reflector may be provided with an aperture cooperatingwith a similarly positioned aperture in cover panel 22 and enclosed by aglass plate or the like, to provide for Viewing the interior of thecompartment. A similar reflecting plate IT is positioned along the innerwall of the sterilizing compartment for the reflecting rays whichimpinge thereon toward the articles passing through the compartment,such plate 71 being apertured to correspond with the viewing opening 55on the operators side of the device.

This arrangement of reflectors provides for securing substantialuniformity in the radiation produced throughout the vertical extent ofsaid sterilizing compartment so that short articles for example Willreceive substantially the same effective radiation as tall glasses,particularly around the edge or lip thereof. Thus a tall glass risescloser to the tube immediately above it and thus receives ample directand reflected rays from that tube; a shorter glass receives not only thedirect rays from both tubes, but a large amount of reflected radiationfrom both tubes directed downwardly thereupon by the reflectors Hi. Sidereflectors 16, TI and lower reflectors I2, 13 provide for directing therays toward and upon all parts of the article so that it is subjected tocomplete and thorough sterilization.

Means are provided for receiving the articles within the device,conveying them through the sterilizing chamber, and delivering thesterilized articles back to a position substantially the same as thereceiving position. In order that the articles may be thoroughly andcompletely subjected to the sterilizing action, the conveyor ispreferably so constructed as to offer a minimum of interference with orimpedance to the action of the light rays in impinging upon the entiresurface of the article. Likewise to avoid the ne cessity for anyenlargement in the depth of the device, the conveyor is so constructedas to provide for laterally carrying the article through the receivingchamber, then transporting it around to the sterilizing chamber,conveying the article in the reverse direction through the sterilizingchamber and then returning the sterilized article to the dischargeposition closely adjacent the receiving position and accessible forremoval through opening 29. The receiving chamber where the articles arereceived and discharged extends longitudinally along one side of thecasing in parallel relation with the sterilizing chamber which extendsalong the other, the two chambers being separated by a relatively narrowpartition or wall.

The conveyor proper comprises a sprocket chain 80 made up of a pluralityof links such as shown in Figs. 11 to 13. The chain runs vertically onedge with the sprocket wheels in a horizontal planefand looped aroundeach alternate link there is provided a wire 8I formed with thedownwardly looped part 82 crimped around and engaging the chain link.The wire is formed with an inwardly projecting arm 83, and an outwardlyprojecting arm 84, these arms being in alignment and lying substantiallynormal to the chain and in a generally horizontal plane. The outwardlyprojecting arm 84 terminates in an angularly bent trailing part 85 whichlies in the same plane as the arms. The inner arm 83 is adapted to beslidably received within the slot 50 formed between the plates 41 and49; similarly the outer arm including the trailing end part 85 isadapted to be received within the slot 44 formed between members 42 and43. The portion 85 is of such length in relation to the spacing of thewire loops upon the sprocket chain as to cause each trailing end tosubstantially contact the next subsequent wire when the wires stand inposition at substantially right angles with respect to the chain. Hencethis structure provides for the moving forward of the sprocket chainwith the accompanying forward movement of each of the wire loops, theloops being maintained in substantially parallel position throughoutsuch movement, and standing at all times in a substantiallyperpendicular direction between the two guiding slots.

The chain thuspasses through the receiving and discharging compartmentand likewise through the sterilizing compartment substantially centrallybetween the outer side frame members 42, 43 and central partition 53 andin the direction of the arrows in Fig. 3. At the end adjacent thereceiving zone the chain passes around a sprocket wheel 90 and at theend adjacent the discharge zone around sprocket wheel 9I. Each sprocketis constructed as shown in Fig. 11 with a plurality of outwardlyprojecting teeth 02 which engage in the chain to drive the same, and isprovided with inwardly cut notches 93 corresponding with the position ofthe loops upon the chain. The chain is thus engaged in driving relation,and the wire loops are received within the notched portions of thesprocket wheels without interference therefrom.

In order to provide for the operation of the conveyor in substantially asemi-circle at either end of its passage, means are provided forproperly guiding both the inner ends and the outer ends of the conveyorsupporting loops, such means providing for free movement of therespective ends of the wire loops to provide for the fanning out of theouter ends thereof as required in order to circle around for travel inthe reverse direction. At the end 95 toward which the articles are firstcarried when placed within the machine, the means for guiding the outerends of the wire loops comprise cooperating plates forming an arcuateguide slot as a continuation of and in the plane of the lateral slots44. For this purpose each end panel I5 is provided with cross bars 91fastened inwardly thereof to which is bolted the frame member 98 bymeans of bolts 99. At the end 95 there is positioned on frame ember 98in fixed relation thereto a. lower plate I00 having an inner cut-outportion IOI arranged to extend radially just beyond the sprocket wheeland lying somewhat above the plane thereof so as to be spaced onlyslightly below the conveyor loops 84. On the plate I00 there ispositioned a relatively light gauge plate I02 upon which the outer endsof the conveyor loops are adapted to rest in guiding and supportingrelation. An intermediate plate I03 is located above plate I02 and ismounted in the same plane as and slightly radially beyond the ends ofthe wire loops affording clearance so as to avoid contact of the ends ofthe wire loops as they pass around in their orbit. On top of plate I03and extending inwardly a short distance over the ends of the wire loopsis a top plate I04 which forms with the lower plates the arcuate slotI05 in the same plane as and directly communicating with the slots 44formed by members 42 and 43 in which the wire loops may travel withcontinuous motion as they pass around the end of the conveyor. And theprovision of the inwardly extended portion of plate I00 serves toreceive and support such small articles as might slip between the loopsat the end zone. Since the spacing of the wires at the sprocket chainitself remains the same, the spacing increasing radially outwardly ofthe sprocket wheel and decreasing inwardly thereof, this plate need onlyapproach the periphery of the sprocket wheel in order to afford adequateprotection against the dropping of any articles between the wires.

It is found in practice that the movement of the wire supporting loopsbeneath articles, even articles such as relatively tall glasses having asmall supporting base area, does not cause such unsteady support of thearticle as to cause it to tilt when going around the end of theconveyor. However in order to avoid possibility of an article tiltingand falling within the interior of the device a protective shield I01 inthe form of a grid work is preferably provided, being suitably bolted tothe top plate I04. The grid is curved about the center of rotation ofthe sprocket wheel and in the normal course of operation the shield isnot contacted by the article as it passes around; in the event that thearticle does tilt such protective grid prevents falling thereof. Theconveyor also provides for supporting articles such as plates on edgewhere they are too large to be received flatwise. The notch I08 formedin the conveyor wire over the looped part 82 provides for receiving theedge of a plate (Fig. 8) and retaining the same in standing positionwith the upper part of the plate leaning against the central partitionthroughout the path of travel of the conveyor. While notches may beformed in the wires at either side of the central looped part 82, it ispreferred to use the notch I08 for this purpose because being over thesprocket chain, it supports the article most firmly and also the spacingbetween adjacent notches I08 remains substantially the same whentraversing the end zones of the conveyor.

The sprocket wheel located at the end of the device constitutes thedriving sprocket. For this purpose a drive motor H0 is mounted shaftcontinues upon the frame and supported from cross struts II. It carriesas a permanent part thereof a speed reducing mechanism I II to providefor the desired slow speed of operation of the conveyor while making useof a relatively inexpensive and high speed drive motor.

The drive of the conveyor is effected through a device of such characteras to provide for the disengagement of the drive in the event of anobstruction occurring in the operation of the conveyor, such deviceproviding for the temporary disengagement of the drive from the sprocketwheel in response to an unusual resistance in the operation of. theconveyor followed by the automatic reestablishment of the drive uponrelease of the obstruction. For this purpose the drive shaft of thespeed reducer has a crank arm II3 which carries a drive plate 55 on theend thereof. Mounted on cross brace I! is a casting H5 forming a bearingwhich rotatably supports the sprocket shaft II t. The bearing is formedwith a yoke portion H7 adjacent its lower part within which is mountedthe axially movable worm shaft H8. The shaft meshes in drivingengagement with a worm gear M9 on shaft H5, and at one end carriesv adrive arm I 28 extending in line with and adapted to be engaged by thedrive plate Il l. An adjustable spring means I2I on the opposite end ofworm shaft H8 tends to keep the drive arm in engagement with the driveplate but in the event the conveyor jams, worm gear H9 becomesstationary and as the worm to rotate, it moves itself axially againstthe compression of the spring E21 unti drive arm I is moved clear ofThis interrupts the drive and thereafter the motor continues to run withno connection with the conveyor. As soon as the obstruction in theconveyor is released, the spring lZI effects rotation of the worm gearIIQ to permit the shaft HS and its drive arm to reengage in drivingrelation with plate 5 Hi. Hence it is not necessary for the operator tore-set the clutch mechanism, or to do anything other than to relievesuch obstruction as may exist in the conveyor operation. A bracket I22mounted on casting H5 provides additional support for the overhangingcentral portion of plate 195 and the support or post 45a is alsosupported thereon and preferably formed integrally therewith.

The sprocket wheel 93 is mounted on the sprocket shaft H6 and ispositioned just below the plate assembly al 133, 39 as shown in Fig. 8.The ends of such plates are semi-circularly curved about the axis ofshaft Ht thereby providing an arcuate slot 125 in continuation with eachof the inner longitudinal slots 56. Thus the inner ends 83 of theconveyor loops pass in uninterrupted manner around the end of thedevice, the thickness of the conveyor wires being such that as shown in3 and 5 the inner ends thereof lie substantially in contact whiletraversing the end zone.

In order to provide for maintaining a proper degree of tension withinthe sprocket chain to assure proper anduniform operation of theconveyor, means are provided at the opposite end I 25 thereof foradjustably maintaining the sprocket chain under a predetermined tension.For this purpose the sprocket wheel 9! at the end E25 of the conveyor ismounted upon supporting means which is adjustable for the purpose ofkeeping the sprocket chain taut. This means includes a plate #32 havingmarginal parts iii which are slidably received within the opposite slots44 drive plate I M.

formed between upper and lower angle plates 42 and 43 on either side ofthe device. The plate I30 is cut out semi-circularly as shown in Fig. 5so as to lie in the same plane with and just radially beyond conveyorwires 8 l. Beneath plate I30 is a relatively thin supporting plate I32upon which the outer ends of the conveyor wires run. Plate I32 iscarried by lower plate I33, which extends inwardly beneath the conveyorto ap proximately the periphery of sprocket wheel 9!. Upper plate I34overlies plate ltd projecting radially inwardly thereof a short distanceto form the arcuate guide slot I 55 for receiving the ends of theconveyor wires in direct continuation of slots 44 on either side of thedevice. All of said plates are suitably secured together and inas muchas plate I30 extends into guide slot 6% while plates I32, I33 and I34terminate at the lateral edges of members 4|, 52 and 53 on each side ofthe device, it will be clear that the plate structure is supported andguided for sliding movement longitudinally in the fixed frame of thedevice.

In order to have the sprocket Wheel 93 also move with the platestructure, a bracket arm IE5 is fastened to the lower plate I 33, thebracket having a forked end I 36 for adjustable guiding engagement witha groove I31 formed in upright post MS. The bracket likewise carries afixed stud I 38 which forms a bearing for rotatably receiving sprocketwheel 9|. Thus it will be clear that in response to movement of theplate structure longitudinally of the machine, the bracket arm 35 willcause correspondingrnovement of the sprocket wheel to thereby adjust thetension in the sprocket chain. A U-shaped lug I39 is fastened to thefixed cross frame structure 98, and a bolt I40 passes through the platestructure and the lug I39 to provide, upon tightening, for retaining theplate structure in a predetermined position of adjustment.

In order to properly guide the inner ends of the conveyor loops duringtheir passage around the end of the device, means are provided for ineffect continuing the inner guide slot which receives the inner ends ofthe loops throughout the adjustable range of positions of the slidableplate structure. This means comprises a pair of guide plates M2 and I43which are bolted to top and bottom of the central plate assembly ll, d8,49 and project longitudinally therebeyond. Both plates I42 and I43 haveinwardly turned flanges I44 on their opposite sides, lower plate 47 andupper plate 49 being suitably notched to receive such flanges. Guideplates I42 and I 63 extend beyond the ends of plates i1, 48 and 49, andreceive slidably within their own outer portion an auxiliary platestructure comprising lower plate hi6, intermediate plate I47, and upperplate I48. This auxiliary plate structure is arranged with theintermediate plate of less width than the upper and lower plates toprovide a guide slot I 59, and the extremity of such plate assembly iscurved about the axis of stud I58, as shown in Fig. 5, to provide forreceiving the inner end of the conveyor loops as they pass around intheir orbit. The auxiliary plate structure is suitably fastened to studI38 by means of bolt I50, so as to move longitudinally with the sprocketwheel and its support, while being slidably received within the guideplates I42 and I 43. From the foregoing it will be apparent that suchstructure provides a continuous guide for the inner ends of the loopsextending from the slot 543 on the one side between the flanges IM, andinto the guide slot I49 of the auxiliary plate assembly, around the endof the device, and in the reverse direction on the opposite side tocomplete the continuous guiding and supporting structure. As thesprocket wheel is adjusted in longitudinal position, the auxiliary plateassembly merely slides in guide plates I42 and I43 to a position ofgreater or less spacing from the ends of main guide plate assembly 41,48

and 40, the operation of the conveyor being undisturbed by suchadjusting movement. As in the case of the opposite end, the guide is notsubstantially greater in diameter than the thickness of the central wallbetween the two chambers, the inner ends of the conveyor wires lyingpractically in contact with each other while encircling the ends tomaintain the predetermined desired spacing thereof.

The conveyor constructed in the manner above described has been found tobe highly satisfactory in use, and to be particularly desirable in adevice of the present character where an effective application ofsterilizingrays is desired over the entire area of the article. The useof article supporting means as described herein embodying spaced memberssubstantially circular in cross section and of relatively smalldiameter, provide for supporting the article with a minimum ofobstruction to the light rays. Inasmuch as the light rays are projectedtoward the article from all directions as a result of the provision ofthe various reflectors as described above, the utilization of suchsupporting means provides for support of the articles with substantiallya line contact, thereby reducing the area not subject to the light raysto a very minimum.

Further it has been found that in the case where the article is passedthrough the sterilizing chamber more than once, the shifting in therelative positioning of the supporting wires and the base of the articleinherent to the passage of the article around the end zones, serves toexpose the surface of the articl which may have rested upon a supportingwire. Hence this construction provides for effective overall applicationof sterilizing rays while assuring an extremely simple construction ofconveyor, and one requiring a minimum of usable space.

In order to prevent possible dripping of water from freshly washedglasses into the interior of the device, a drip pan I55 extends alongthe receiving side of the conveyor and beneath the sprocket chain. Thisdrip pan rests upon bracket supports I35 and I22 carried by posts 46 and46a respectively and is releasably held thereon by clips I51, the outerend having an upwardly turned flange I58 for fitting beneath the lowerflange of channel 4| upon the outer side. A resilient catch member I59is carried by the drip pan for locking engagement over the flange and isadapted to be manually released from below when it is desired to removethe drip pan.

The extent of the travel of the articles in the sterilizing chamber, andthe intensity of the ultra-violet rays produced therein and effectiveupon the articles is such as to provide for substantially completesterilization of the articles during one passage through the sterilizerzone. Tests have shown that making use of the three sources ofultra-violet light as illustrated, and with a single passage of thearticle such as a glass through the sterilizer chamber a practicallycomplete sterilization of all bacteria and germs present thereupon, bothinside and outside, is secured. In some cases it is desired to allow thearticle to continue to circulate through the sterilizing chamberrepeatedly until required for use, thereby affording even more assuranceof sterility, but such operation is not usually necessary in order tosecure a satisfactorily complete sterilization of each article.

In order to prevent unnecessary circulation of the device and to assurethe delivery of articles in a sterile condition as required for use,means are provided within the receiving chamber to interrupt the passageof the article after it has made a single passage through thesterilizing chamber and been delivered to discharging position. Thismeans comprises a switch ar-m I60 extending through a slot I6I in thecasing 53 and at an elevation slightly above the level of the conveyorloops so as to be contacted by any article after it has passed throughthe sterilizing chamber and returned to the discharge position. Arm I60is mounted upon a vertically extending shaft I62 to the lower end ofwhich is fastened a rectangular block I63 to which an extending camsurface I63a is attached. A spring arm I64 supported on bracket I65which is carried upon the conveyor track bears against the cam surfaceI63a and tends to maintain arm I60 in a position directly transverse tothe path of travel of the articles. However shaft I62 may be readilyrotated in response to engagement with articles upon the conveyor,against the action of resilient member I64, with resultant rotation ofcam surface I63a. The block carries a transvers'ely extending pin I66covered with an insulating sleeve which engages a finger I6'I whichactuates a cut-out switch I68, suitably carried upon bracket I65. Hencein response to engagement of an article with the cross bar I60, the camsurface I63a is turned and in response to rotation through an angle lessthan approximately the switch I68 is actuated to a position to open thecircuit to the drive motor, thereby stopping the operation of theconveyor, but not interfering with the continued operation of thesterilizing light source. Upon removal of an article from the conveyorfor use, the arm I60 returns to normal position under the action ofresilient member I64, and the conveyor is then placed in operation untilsuch time as another article from the sterilizer compartment contactsthe arm I60.

With such arrangement when it is desired to secure continuous operationof the conveyor, arm I60 may be manually turned through an arc ofapproximately In such position it is withdrawn from the path of travelof the articles,

' and is yieldably maintained in such withdrawn position by thecooperation of resilient spring I64 with the cam face I63a which urgesthe switch arm toward the 90 position after it passes about the 75angle.

Because the ultra-violet rays may be injurious to eyesight, interlockmeans are provided for assuring that when the protective side coverplates are removed for purposes of cleaning or the like the sterilizinglamps will not accidentally be placed in operation. This means comprisesinterlocking switch assembly as shown in Figs. 16, 1'7 and 18. Mountedupon the side frame I0 is an upwardly extending bracket I'I0 which has ahorizontally extending portion III extending above the upper flange offrame I0. A plunger I12 is provided with a portion I13 of semi-circularcross-section, adapted to slide beneath the bracket III and above theend of the flange on member I0. Plunger H2 is formed at its outer endwith engaging surface I'I4 adapted to be contacted by the side sitionthereof.

A similar bracket I75 is carried by flange I0 upon the opposite side ofthe device, and a tubular plunger I76 having a notched portion I77 and abearing surface I78 is arranged for similar cooperative relation withbracket I75. Slidably mounted within the tubular plunger I76 is anoperating pin I78 resiliently urged outwardly thereof by compressionspring ISII. The tubular member I76 is provided with a sleeve portionI8I adapted to receive the inner end of plunger I72, and is likewiseformed with a bracket I82 which carries a control switch I83. Switch I83is provided with an operating lever I 84 that extends into a positionwhere it is engaged by either plunger I72 or operating pin I79 and isnormally biased to the circuit opening position.

In the operation of this device, and with the parts in the positionshown in Fig. 16, the righthand cover panel 22 is in operative position,but the lefthand cover panel has been removed. Engagement of the surfaceI78 with the righthand cover panel has therefore moved the entireassembly to the left, the member I7 3 extending outwardly beyond thenormal position of the lefthand cover panel. In this position the switchI83 remains in off position. Should the righthand cover panel be removedand the lefthand cover panel be returned to normal operative position,the entire assembly would merely be moved to the right, with switch I83still remaining in open circuit position. In the position shown in Fig.17 however both the right and the lefthand cover panels are in theirnormal operative positions, and in such case plunger I72 is movedinwardly and sleeve I8I is likewise moved inwardly. As a result thereofthe :pin I79 is caused to be pressed against spring I89, thereby causingpanel 22 in the operative pcthe switch lever I84 to move into thecircuit -11.

closed position, to place the sterilizing lamps in operation. As soon aseither cover panel is removed spring IBQ urges the pin I79 outwardlywith respect to sleeve I76, and the switch is thereby actuated to opencircuit position.

The circuit diagram for the device is shown in Fig. 20 in which a mainswitch I85 mounted upon and accessible from the operators side of thedevice provides a master control for de-energizing all of the circuitsof the device. The automatic conveyor stop switch I68 provides forcontrol of the drive motor independently of the control of the lightsource and safety switch I83 controlled in accordance with the positionof the cover panels provides for interrupting the circuit to the primaryof the transformer, I85 when either of the cover panels is withdrawnfrom operative position. Such control thereby de-energizes the tubes 69which are energized from the high voltage side of the transformer.

The device thus provides a highly satisfactory sterilizing mechanismcapable of producing substantially complete sterilization anddestruction of any germs or bacteria present upon articles such asglassware, cups, or the like. It is adapted for positioning upon acounter or bar and is arranged to have a minimum depth so as to bereceivable upon a shallow counter surface. It

close juxtaposition to the sterilizingzone on the opposite side to avoidunnecessary use of space,

and the receiving chamber and the operator are adequately protectedagainst undesirable escape of light rays from the sterilizing chamber.The conveyor is such as to provide for conveying the articles in thedesired path and requires but a minimum of center space in itsoperation. Fur

' constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms ofapparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing fromthe scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A sterilizer of the character described comprising an enclosingcasing of substantially greater length than depth adapted to be receivedupon a counter or the like, a conveyor in said casing traversing a pathin a substantially horizontal plane longitudinally along one sidethereof and in the reverse direction along the opposite side thereof,said casing having an aperture formed in one of the long side wallsthereof for receiving articles to be sterilized and for discharging thearticles after sterilization in positions adjacent each other on thesame side of said casing, means within the casing on the long sideopposite said aperture for subjecting the articles to the action ofsterilizing rays of light while on said conveyor, and means within thecasing interposed between said apertures and said last named means andspaced rearwardly from said aperture for preventing the escape ofinjurious light rays from said aperture while providing for theinsertion of articles upon and removal thereof from said conveyor infront of said preventing means and through said aperture.

2. A sterilizer of the character described comprising an enclosing.casing of substantially greater length than depth adapted to be receivedupon a counter or the like, a receiving chamber on one side of saidcasing for receiving and discharging articles to be sterilized, saidreceiving chamber extending longitudinally throughout a major portion ofthe length of said casing and having a shallow depth of the order ofhalf the depth of said casing, said casing having an aperture formed inone of the long side walls thereof to provide access to said receivingchamber, a sterilizing chamber on the opposite side of said casing andhaving dimensions similar to'those of said receiving chamber, means insaid sterilizing chamber for directing sterilizing rays upon arprovidesa highly eilective and extremely simple form of conveyor which conveysthe articles from a receiving position into a sterilizing chamber, andfrom the sterilizing chamber back to a discharge position upon the sameside of the device as the receiving chamber. The receiving and dischargechamber on the one side is located in ticles therein, a relativelynarrow longitudinally extending central wall separating said sterilizingchamber from said receiving chamber, a travelling conveyor, means forguiding said conveyor in a continuous path in a substantially horizontalplane longitudinally through said receiving and sterilizing chambers,said central wall beingof greater longitudinal extent than said apertureto prevent escape of. rays therefrom and terminating short of saidcasing ends to provide communicating passages between said receivingchamber and said sterilizing chamber, and in an arcuate path around theends of said casing, the inner diameter of the path of curvature of saidconveyor in said arcuate paths being comparable with the thickness ofsaid narrow wall.

3. In a sterilizer of the character described having a casing, and asterilizing chamber within said casing, the combination of a continuoustravelling conveyor for transporting articles through said chamberincluding a plurality of elongated wire or rod like supporting membersspaced longitudinally from each other in predetermined relation in thedirection of travel and extending transversely from one side to theother of said sterilizing chamber, said members being of relativelysmall cross section to provide for substantially uninterrupted passageof light rays to the articles from beneath the same, guide means alongthe sides of said casing for receiving the ends of said wire or rod likemembers and guiding said members in a substantially rectilinear path,guide means at the ends of said casing for guiding said members inarcuate paths joining said rectilinear paths and forming a continuouspath lying in a horizontal plane, drive means engaging said membersintermediate the ends thereof for advancing said members in saidcontinuous path while maintained in such predetermined relation, and asource of sterilizing light rays for directing sterilizing rays of lightupon all surfaces of the articles while on said conveyor from above andbelow.

4. A sterilizing device of the character described comprising a casing,a receiving and discharging position within said casing, a sterilizingchamber within said casing, means in said chamber for producingsterilizing rays of light, conveyor means operative in a continuous paththrough said receiving position, said sterilizing chamber, and saiddischarge position, drive means for operating said conveyor, and meansfor controlling the operation of said drive means in accordance with theposition of articles thereon to efiect the termination of said conveyoraction after an article has been conveyed through said sterilizingchamber and returned to the discharge position where it may be withdrawnas a sterilized article for use.

5. A sterilizing device of the character described comprising a casing,a receiving and discharging position within said casing, a sterilizingchamber within said casing, means in said chamber for producingsterilizing rays of light, conveyor means operative in a continuous paththrough said receiving position, said sterilizing chamber, and saiddischarge position, drive means for operating said conveyor, controlmeans for said drive means, and means adapted to be engaged by anarticle on said conveyor for actuating said control means to terminateoperation of said conveyor after delivery of a sterilized articlethereon to said discharging position and for actuating said controlmeans to cause operation of said conveyor when such sterilized articleis removed and until delivery of another sterilized article.

6. A sterilizer of the character described comprising an enclosingcasing, a receiving position within said casing, a discharge positionwithin said casing, and a sterilizing chamber within said casing, meansin said chamber for producing sterilizing light rays, conveyor meansentirely within said casing operable continuously through said receivingposition, said sterilizing chamber, and said discharging position, saidcasing having an aperture providing for manual insertion of articles tobe sterilized such as dishes, glassware, and the like within saidreceiving position and providing for manual discharge of articlesfollowing sterilization from said discharge position, and meansassociated with said aperture providing for preventing insertion of anarticle into said discharge position while providing for substantiallyfree withdrawal of the sterilized article from said position.

7. A sterilizer of the character described comprising an enclosingcasing, a receiving position within said casing, a discharge positionwithin sad casing, and a sterilizing chamber within said casing, meansin said chamber for producing sterilizing light rays, conveyor meansoperable in a substantially horizontal plane and continuously throughsaid receiving position, said sterilizing chamber, and said dischargeposition, said casing having an aperture providing for insertion ofarticles to be sterilized within said receiving position and providingfor discharge of articles following sterilization from said dischargeposition, drive means for said conveyor, control means actuated inaccordance with the delivery of articles following passage through saidsterilizing chamber into said discharge position for controlling theoperation of said drive means to cause stopping thereof when an articlestands in said discharge position, and means providing for withdrawal ofarticles from said discharge position while preventing insertion ofarticles into said position.

8. A sterilizer of the character described comprising an enclosingcasing, a receiving position within said casing, a discharge positionwithin said casing, and a sterilizing chamber within said casing, meansin said chamber for producing sterilizing light rays, conveyor meansoperable in a substantially horizontal plane and continuously throughsaid receiving position, said sterilizing chamber, and said dischargeposition, said casing having apertures providing respectively forinsertion of articles to be sterilized within said receiving positionand providing for discharge of articles following sterilization fromsaid discharge position, drive means for said conveyor, control meansactuated in accordance with the delivery of articles following passagethrough said sterilizing chamber into said discharge position forcontrolling the operation of said drive means to cause stopping thereofwhen a sterilized article stands in said discharge position, meansproviding for withdrawal of articles from said discharge aperture whilepreventing insertion of articles therethrough, and means providing forinserting articles through said receiving aperture while preventingwithdrawal of articles therethrough.

9. A sterilizer of the character described which comprises a generallyelongated casing having longitudinally extending side walls and endwalls, the side walls being of greater length than the end walls therebyadapting the casing to be placed upon a counter or the like, one of saidside walls having an opening therein providing for insertion and removalof articles to be sterilized, a partition lying substantially centrallyof said casing and extending longitudinally thereof forming on one sidethereof a receiving and discharging chamber and on the other sidethereof a sterilizing chamber, said receiving and discharging chamberextending longitudinally throughout a major portion of the length ofsaid casing and having a shallow depth of the order of half the depth ofsaid casing, said sterilizing chamber having dimensionssimilar tothose'of said receiving chamber, said partition being of greaterlongitudinal extent than said side wall aperture to prevent escape ofrays therethrough and terminating short of said casing end walls toprovide communicating passages between said receiving and dischargingchamber and said sterilizing chamber, conveyor means operablesubstantially in a horizontal plane through said receiving anddischarging chamber, around the ends of said partition, and through saidsterilizing chamber, and a source of sterilizing light rays locatedabove and below said conveyor for directing rays of sterilizing lightover the entire surface of an article on said conveyor.

10. In a sterilizing device of the character described having a casing,means forming a guide around the entire inner periphery of said cas ing,a plurality of spaced article supporting members having their endsslidably resting on said guide, means engaging said members inwardly ofthe ends thereof for driving the same in a continuous path of travelwithin said casing, said means providing for maintaining said membersintermediate their ends in substantially fixed spaced relationship outof contact with each other, said members being thereby spaced to provideaccess of light rays to the surface of an article supported thereon frombeneath the conveyor, and means positioned in a predetermined locationwithin said casing for directing rays of sterilizing light towardarticles upon said traveling members from above and below said conveyorto be effective upon substantially the entire exterior surface thereof.

11. In a sterilizing device of the character described having a casing,a sterilizing chamber within the casing, and a source of sterilizinglight within said chamber for directing sterilizing light rays uponarticles passing therethrough from above and below the same, thecombination of guide means forming an inwardly opening slot around theentire inner periphery of said casing, a conveyor operable in saidcasing in a continuous manner in a horizontal plane including aplurality of spaced article supporting members in the form of wires orrods of relatively small diameter having their outer ends bentrearwardly and being received within said slot to provide for guidingand supporting the same, and means engaging said members inwardly ofsaid ends thereof for driving the same and for maintaining the desiredspacing of the wires intermediate their ends, said rearwardly bent endsbeing effective to avoid objectionable displacement of the outer ends ofsaid members, said members being spaced to provide access of light raysto the surface of an article supported thereon from beneath theconveyor.

12. A sterilizing device of the character described and adapted to beused in the sterilization of dishware, cutlery, and the like whichcomprises a generally rectangular casing adapted to receive a source ofsterilizing light rays having longitudinally extending side walls andend walls, conveyor means operable in said casing in a substantiallyhorizontal plane throughout both its forward and its return run, saidcoveyor comprising guides mounted in fixed relation within said casingand extending in continuous rectilinear manner along said side walls andin an arcuate manner around said end walls, a plurality of spacedarticle supporting conveyor members having their ends resting on saiduides and for adjustment thereof together with said adjust-,

being spaced to provide adequate support for articles placed thereon inrandom position, means for engaging said conveyor members intermediatethe ends thereof to retain said members in their predetermined spacedrelation with respect to each other, and means for driving said lastnamed means to cause continuous operation of said article supportingmembers within said casing.

13; A sterilizing device of the character described which comprises agenerally rectangular casing having longitudinally extending side wallsand end walls apertured for receiving anddischarging the articles beingsterilized, guides mounted in fixed relation within said casing andextending in continuous manner in a substantially horizontal plane pastsaid aperture and along said side walls and around said end walls, aplurality of spaced article supporting members having their ends restingon said guides and forming a substantially plane surface for receivingarticles of varying size placed at random thereon, a driving memberpositioned intermediate the ends of said article supporting members foreffectingdriving movement thereof, means for adjusting the tension insaid drive member to maintain a predetermined tension therein, and meansin said casing for directing sterilizing light rays toward articlessupported on said conveyor from above and below thesame to be effectiveupon substantially the entire exterior surface thereof.

14. In a sterilizing device of. the character described having agenerally rectangular casing with longitudinally extending side wallsand end walls, said side walls being ofgreater length than the end wallsadapting the casing to be placed upon a counter or the like and certainof said walls being apertured for the passage of articles to besterilized, conveyor means operable in said casing in a substantiallyhorizontal plane including guides mounted in fixed relation within saidcasing andv extending in continuous manner along said side walls andsaid end Walls, means for mounting a portion of said guide for movementwith respect to the. remainder of the guide, a sprocket wheel adjacenteither end of said casing, a sprocket chain movable over said sprocketwheels through said casing inwardly of said guides, a plurality ofspaced articles supporting members carried by said chain and havingtheir ends resting on said guides, means for movably supporting one ofsaid sprocket wheels to provide able portion of said guide to therebyprovide for maintaining a desired tension in said chain, and means insaid casing for directing sterilizing light rays toward varticlessupported on said conveyor from above and below the same to be effectiveupon substantially the entire exterior surface thereof.

15. A sterilizer of the character described comprising a main frame, endpanels fastened to said frame, a top member extending from ,one endpanel to the other, a pair of side panels having means for engaging saidtop member to *be removably supported thereon in enclosing relation, apartition located substantially centrally between said side panels anddividing the interior of said sterilizer into an article handlingposition at one side and a sterilizing compartment at the other sidethereof and in substantially the same horizontal plane therewith, theside panel adjacent said article handling position having an aperturetherethrough to provide for receiving and removal of articles,reflectors positioned on the wall of said partition toward saidsterilizing 1 compartment and on the inner wall of said side panel whichencloses said sterilizing compartment, means for conveying articles fromsaid article handling position through said sterilizing chamber and backto said article handling position for discharging therefrom, and asource of sterilizing light rays in said sterilizing chamber forsupplying rays of sterilizing light to be effective in conjunction withsaid reflectors upon all parts of an article supported on said conveyingmeans.

16. A sterilizing device of the character described comprising a casing,a receiving and discharging position within said casing, a sterilizingchamber within said casing, means in said chamber for producingsterilizing rays of light, conveyor means operative in a continuous paththrough said receiving position, said sterilizing chamber, and saiddischarge position, drive means for operating said conveyor, and meansfor controlling the operation of said drive means independently of saidlight producing means in accordance with the position of articles threonto effect the termination of said conveyor action while the operation ofsaid light producing means continues uninterrupted after an article hasbeen conveyed through said sterilizing chamber and returned to thedischargeposition where it may be withdrawn as a sterilized article foruse.

17. A sterilizer of the character described comprising an enclosingcasing, a receiving position within said casing, a discharge positionwithin said casing, and a sterilizing chamber within said casing, meansin said chamber for producing sterilizing light rays, conveyor meanswithin said casing operable in a substantially horizontal plane andcontinuously through said receiving position, said sterilizing chamber,and said discharge position for receiving articles to be sterilized inrandom position thereon, said casing having apertures providingrespectively for lateral insertion of articles to be sterilized withinsaid receiving position and providing for lateral discharge ofarticlesfollowing sterilization from said discharge position, drive means forsaid conveyor, means providing for withdrawal of articles from saiddischarge aperture while preventing insertion of articles-therethrough,and means providing for inserting articles through said receivingaperture while preventing withdrawal of articles therethrough.

18. A sterilizer of the character described which comprisesa casing, asterilizing chamber within said casing, means in said sterilizingchamber for generating sterilizing light rays, said casing having aremovable wall portion providing access thereto and preventing escape ofsterilizing light rays therefrom when in operative position, a conveyorfor transporting articles to be sterilized from a receiving positionthrough said sterilizing chamber and to a discharge position, saidcasing having a permanently open aperture formed therein in position toprovide access to said receiving and discharge positions, means withinsaid casing for preventing escape of injurious light rays from saidsterilizing chamber through said permanently open aperture, and meansefiective upon the removal of said removable wall portion from operativeposition to interrupt the generation of said light rays.

19. A sterilizer of the character described which comprises removableoppositely positioned walls forming a casing, means in said casing forgenerating sterilizing light rays to be effective upon articles therein,a receiving station for articles to be sterilized, means in said casingfor receiving articles at said receiving station and conveying themthrough the effective area of said light rays for sterilization thereby,means for shielding said receiving station and cooperating with saidremovable walls to prevent escape of injurious light rays from saidcasing, and means effective upon removal of either of said removablewalls from operative position to interrupt the generation of said lightrays, said last named means comprising a first member adapted to engageone of said removable walls and to be moved inwardly thereby when saidwall is placed in enclosing position, a second member adapted to engagethe other of said removable walls and to be moved inwardly thereby whensaid last named wall is placed in enclosing position, switch meansassociated with said first and second members and controlling said lightgenerating means, and operative connections between said switch meansand said members to move said switch means to on position when both saidremovable walls are in place and to move said switch means to offposition when either or both of said walls are removed from operativeposition.

20. A sterilizer of the character described adapted to receive articlesof dishware, cutlery and the like of varying size and in randompositioning thereon and to effect the sterilization thereof comprising acasing, a sterilizing chamber within said casing, guide means extendingaround the inner periphery of said casing, a plurality of spaced articlesupporting members adapted to receive thereon in random positioning thearticles to be sterilized and having their ends extending into saidguide means to be guided and supported thereby, said members beingrelatively small in width to offer a minimum of obstruction to theaction of sterilizing light rays, means for driving said members in acontinuous path of movement which includes passage through saidsterilizing chamber, and means in said chamber for directing sterilizinglight rays upon the articles on said members from above and below thesame to efiectively subject substantially the entire surface of thearticle to a sterilizing action.

DAVID A. MEEKER. DE LOSS D. WALLACE.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,275;788. v March 10, 19L 2.

' DAVID A. mm, ET AL.

Itv is hereby" certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Pagel,first column, line 15-, for "lke' read --like--; page 5', first column,line 29, for "of" after "area" read ---or-; page'(, second column, line71 claim 2, strike out the words "said centralwall being of greaterlongitudinal extent than said. aperture to prevent escape of raystherefrom and terminating short K of said casing ends'to providecommunicating passages between said receiving chamber andsaid-sterilizing 'chamber', and insert the same after "chamber,"

and before" "a" on page 7, second column line 67, same claim 2; page 8,sec- 0nd column, linelll, for sad' read --said'-; page 10, firstcolumn,- line 6, claim 15, for "discharging" read --discharge-; line25," claim 16, for threon" read --thereon-; and that the said LettersPatent should be read with this correction therein that the same mayconform to the record of: the case in the Patent Office. 1 v

Signed and sealed this 5th day of May, A. D. 1942.

.Henry Van Arsdale, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

